August 18, 2025
Community Link Prepares for Groovy Buddy Walk
Breese, IL – Community Link is thrilled to announce its 19th Annual Buddy Walk, taking place on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at Northside Park in Breese, IL. Families, friends, teams, and supporters will gather for a day of celebration, inclusion, and community, with the 1‑mile walk beginning at 11 a.m.
The Buddy Walk, created by the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) in 1995, is held nationwide to raise awareness and support for individuals with Down syndrome. Community Link’s local event also celebrates people with all developmental disabilities, promoting inclusion and acceptance throughout the region. Last year the Community Link Buddy Walk exceeded its goal of $125,000 to support the organization’s local programs while contributing 2.5% of proceeds to NDSS for national initiatives.
Community Link has a goal to raise $150,000 this year for their participants and mission. This is only possible with the help of team captains, sponsors, and the generous community. Team captains use their incredible abilities to fundraise and inspire friends and family to participate in the walk. Community Link is thankful to have a great group of team captains who have already committed their excitement and creativity.
Registered walkers and attendees are encouraged to arrive early. The day will begin at 10 a.m. with lively karaoke performances by Community Link participants, accompanied by Singderella’s Entertainment. In addition, some participants will have handcrafted items available for purchase.
There are many returning activities of the day, including a tent which will feature crafts, face painting, and cookie decorating run by the employees of UNCOMN. New this year will be a participant fashion show following the walk, displaying the unique styles of Community Link participants.
Food trucks and vendors are going to be making a return this year as well. Returning food vendors are Fantastick Pops, Sip N Scoot Mobile Café, Suits Me BBQ, and Ballpark Concessions. The Red Porch Café will be serving made to order sandwiches and seasonal food items. Excel Bottling Company will once again be generously donating soda, including the limited-edition Sweetest Mile strawberry lemonade soda. All proceeds from the sale of soda directly support the Community Link Buddy Walk.
The t-shirt will be an eggplant purple color, with artwork from Community Link Participant Jim Albers. T-shirts can be picked up before the walk beginning on September 5th at AVH Ink & Vinyl in Breese, or can be picked up at the event in the park.
Tie dying and yard games will also be part of the fun of the afternoon. To register, visit commlink.org/buddywalk. If you cannot attend, but wish to support, donations may also be made on the website. For any questions about the walk, sponsorship opportunities or donations, please contact Michelle Delfel at michelled@commlink.org or 618-526-3989.
Community Link is especially grateful to the many sponsors who have made the walk possible including presenting sponsors: Dairy King, Poettker Construction, Bradford National Bank, The Knights of Columbus-The Niemeyer Agency, HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital, Breese Knights of Columbus Council 2869, Trenton Knights of Columbus Council 2932, and Excel Bottling, gold sponsors: Carlyle Knights of Columbus Council 1382, Klostermann State Farm Ins, ShelterLogic Group, Litteken Construction Company, DBA Custom Woodworking, State Rep Charlie Meier, Monken Nissan/Monken Toyota, Cargill Protein, Gelly Excavating and Construction, Diversified Diesel Services, Dodd & Wambold, Breese Optimist Club, AVH Ink & Vinyl, and numerous silver and bronze sponsors. They also appreciate the many local business who donate goods and services to make the day a great celebration.
Community Link, a non-profit organization and proud United Way member agency, is dedicated to enhancing the lives of individuals with disabilities through a person-centered approach that promotes self-directed living choices and community integration opportunities. The mission of Community Link to provide opportunities for choice, growth, and independence for adults with developmental disabilities. For more information, please visit their website at commlink.org.